2013 Community Missions Annual Report

2013 Annual Report

Community Missions of Niagara Frontier, Inc. 1570 Buffalo Ave. l Niagara Falls, NY 14303-1599 Phone: (716) 285-3403 l Fax: (716) 285-0616 l Web: www.CommunityMissions.org

Community Missions of Niagara Frontier, Inc. Board of Directors President Dr. Michael Lewis

1st Vice President (Finance) Sandra Peploe 2nd Vice Pres. (Operations) Col. John Higgins Christopher Schifferli 3rd Vice President (Religious) Kathleen Ordiway Secretary Barbara Northan Treasurer Rev. Richard Hague Molly Anderson Betty Belschner Supt. Bryan DalPorto Johnny Destino Tracy Diina Hon. Kathleen Gariano Susan Green Michael Henry Dr. Hanan Ismail Elizabeth Lavis Mary Maj Lt. Col. Donald McGuire Christopher Sheffield Quain Weber Henry Wojtaszek

Agency Executive Staff Robyn Krueger Executive Director Joseph Sbarbati Associate Director Grant Babcock Director of Operations Douglas Renning Director of Finance Marilee Clark Director of Youth Services

Dear Friends,

It is my pleasure to share with you Community Missions’ 2013 Annual Report. I am so thankful for the opportunity to represent an organization that has such a heart for its local community, and for the dedicated staff the agency employs to work with all those that walk through our doors in a dignified manner. Most importantly, though, I am thankful to see the lives touched by the wonderful generosity of the Niagara community.

As you read through the Report, I hope that you will learn more about the work done each day throughout the agency. In particular, please take a moment to review pages 4 and 5, and perhaps learn more about a program that you may not have known Community Missions offers.

The statistics on page 10 are truly amazing, to see how the demand for our Crisis & Community Services has increased so much over just the past 10 years. As you review these numbers, remember that each and every one represent the stories of people whose lives were affected by this organization.

I thank you for your support of Community Missions, during these times more than ever. I invite you to learn more about the work of our agency, and look forward to a successful 2014!

Mission Statement Community Missions of Niagara Frontier, Inc., is a community-based, independent, non-profit, religious, service agency providing residential and support services to persons and families in need without regard to race, sex, religion, or national origin; in a way that the persons or families served are respected for and can ultimately fulfill their maximum potential.

Statement of Religion and Faith As a Christian agency, our chosen role in terms of religion and faith is to express our belief that everyone benefits from spiritual growth. We will provide resources, programs, and community linkages, without proselytizing, that will enhance spiritual growth and wholeness in the faith/spiritual tradition of an individual’s choice and support them as they seek to grow in that tradition.

About Community Missions, Inc.

Lisa Malinowski Director of Mental Health Housing Services

Community Missions (CMI) has provided a unique blend of services to address the needs of the Niagara community since its founding in 1925.

Yvonne Clark Director of Mental Health Recovery Services

The initial population served was homeless individuals and families. Over the past 88 years, CMI programs have evolved to meet the needs of its community. The agency now provides 18 programs between its four divisions: Crisis & Community Services, Mental Health Housing Services, Mental Health Recovery Services, and Youth Services.

Don Luce Director of Public Relations and Development Rev. Mark Breese Director of Ministry & Community Partnerships

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From the Executive Director

The agency serves a diverse set of populations including youth, adults, families, homeless, juvenile justice involved youth, youth and adults with psychiatric disabilities, persons living with HIV/AIDS and ex-offender parole individuals. In general, CMI serves a vulnerable population of individuals that, through a variety of circumstances, have been marginalized, overlooked and challenging in their presentations and behaviors.

Community Missions of Niagara Frontier, Inc.

Why I Choose Community Missions... ...as a Donor - Mark Bonacci “I volunteer and give financial support to Community Missions because it helps our most vulnerable Niagara neighbors. I volunteer in the Community Soup Kitchen. I am inspired by the warmth and kindness with which the staff treats the people who come to eat. It’s a joy to see people coming from the free clothes closet with an outfit for their job interview, and little children coming out with toy trucks, dolls and books to read.

The Mission helped one of my best friends to overcome his mental illness through its Art as Therapy program. He went on to college, got a Master’s Degree, and then got a well-paying job for Niagara County.

One of my most meaningful evenings at Community Missions was at the Missions’ Job Prep course, when we had a party for three of the students that had just gotten jobs. As a Professor at Niagara County Community College, I urge my students to do their internships at the Mission. They get a chance to see an organization treat people with dignity, as well as helping them to effectively reach their full potential. I am proud to urge my friends to also support the Mission.

It has helped so many of our neighbors out of hard times.”

...as an Employee - Amanda Morrissette Having been with Community Missions for over five years, Amanda Morrissette has, like many CMI employees, worked with multiple programs within the agency. Upon joining the Mission in August 2008, Ms. Morrissette served as a Resident Aide at Onesimus House, a program working with homeless young adults (16-21) in Niagara Falls. She was promoted to a Program Specialist at Onesimus House, taking the youth on outings, developing daily living skills, and helping them transition to their next life phase.

When the program closed in 2011, Ms. Morrissette joined the staff of the agency’s Recovery Services, where she is currently working. “I was a little nervous about the changeover, but it ended up being very similar, just working with older clients,” remarked Ms. Morrissette.

“A lot of people say that Community Missions does more for them than anybody else,” said Ms. Morrissette. “Sometimes I have my moments, feeling burned out, but then you have a client come to you and tell you that you’re their best friend; it reminds you why you do what you do. Just recently, I was thinking ‘my vacation can’t come soon enough.’ I took a client shopping, and she wanted to buy me a coffee mug that said “Best Friend” on it. She told me, ‘When you come to my house, you can use this coffee mug that says My Best Friend. It puts everything into perspective, and I look forward to coming into work every day.”

...as our Summer Missions Trip - Pennsylvania Ave. United Methodist Church - Pine City, NY

Each summer, Community Missions is the destination for many church youth groups’ missions trip. For the second straight year, Pennsylvania Avenue United Methodist Church, located approximately 175 miles from Niagara Falls in Pine City, N.Y., came to CMI for its annual Youth Missions trip.

“We came a year ago, and returned in 2013 because Community Missions has a wonderful plan already in place,” said Linda Vallet, a leader of the group. “It helps the leaders to not have to reinvent the wheel. Having so many programs lined up, it is great for us to be able to just plug in and to start working.”

“The first year that we came, we plugged into where we were needed,” continued Vallet. “In 2013, we really appreciated the ability of the kids to work with the clients, in particular sitting with them at lunch, and several of our kids had a prayer table at lunch, leading the clients in prayer for what they needed. What a wonderful experience! We are greatly looking forward to what God has in store for our third trip this July!”

The group worked on several projects around the Mission, including the Community Soup Kitchen, Clothes Closet, Food Pantry.

Additionally, some of the youth were able to sell ducks at the agency’s booth at the Canal Fest of the Tonawandas Duck Race. The group was also able to take advantage of the natural wonder of Niagara Falls, taking in a day of sightseeing while in the Cataract City.

Community Missions of Niagara Frontier, Inc.

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Crisis & Community Services - Established 1925

Crisis and Community Services serves those in need in Niagara County with a wide range of programs. Its programs are funded primarily through donors, grants and foundations. l Emergency Housing provides shelter for those in need of temporary housing for a variety of reasons, including homelessness, fire, domestic violence, eviction, discharge from hospital, etc. The shelter offers rooms with bathrooms, and larger rooms are available for families. In 2013, 379 adults and 94 children received a total of 5,732 nights of care through the Emergency Housing program! l The Community Soup Kitchen serves lunch six days a week to hundreds of individuals in Niagara Falls. The program provides a nutritious, well-rounded meal in a clean and enjoyable environment. Guests are also able to take home breads, produce or other items provided by local donations. Last year, the program served 27,783 meals to those in need! l The Food Pantry provides food for families to take home and prepare. The Food Pantry provides food monthly for families within its designated area, while emergency food is also available. Sources of food for the program include the Food Bank of Western New York, the Emergency Food & Shelter Program, individual donations, and food drives by local organizations. In 2013, 3,231 individuals received 29,079 meals through the Food Pantry! l The Clothes Closet & Furniture Giveaway programs allow those in need to select clothes, household items and furniture free of charge. These programs rely on the donations of community members and local businesses. The Clothes Closet is open six days each week, while the Furniture Giveaway program operates each Friday morning.

Last year, 7,699 individuals were served in the Clothes Closet! l Mark’s Place is a transitional residence for HIV positive persons with an AIDS-specific diagnosis. The program is designed to facilitate advancement to permanent and independent housing within a limit of one year’s time. Named after a leading benefactor, Mark’s Place housed 10 individuals last year, who were provided with a total of 285 nights of care! l Parole Re-Entry helps those recently released from incarceration with their integration back into the community.

The program’s mission is to help bridge gaps within the system, aid in better communication and coordination between community agencies, enhance public safety and knowledge, and aid returning offenders in living a healthy, law-abiding life. In 2013, Parole Re-Entry helped a total of 266 individuals, providing 4,969 nights of care! l The Adopt-A-Family Program links the community with local families to ensure a happy Christmas season for all. The program solicits local businesses, church groups, service organizations, and community members to “adopt” one or more families, and provide gifts and food to make their holiday wishes come true! Last year, this program provided food and presents to 162 families and 440 children!

Youth Services - Established 1965

Youth Services serves the local at-risk, troubled, emotionally disturbed, and homeless youth populations of Niagara County and beyond. l Aurora House is a youth community residence located in Lockport. The facility provides complete care for eight youth, ages 12-17, that are diagnosed as severely emotionally disturbed (SED). The treatment period is estimated to be from 6 months to one year. Youth attend school, work, volunteer, activities, and appointments within the local community. Last year, 13 youth received 1,838 days of care at Aurora House! l Juvenile Intensive Case Management (JICM) is designed to provide intensive supervision and support to help juvenile probationers avoid further crime and violence. The program includes weekly group sessions, academic assistance, family support and counseling services, as well as recreation activities. In 2013, 12 youth participated in 185 total sessions through JICM! l Brief Strategic Family Therapy (BSFT) is a short-term, evidence-based family program that is designed to improve children and adolescent behavior, as well as improve overall family functioning, interactions and relationships among family members. Last year, 17 families benefited from 89 total sessions through BSFT!

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Community Missions of Niagara Frontier, Inc.

Mental Health Housing Services - Established 1981

Mental Health Housing Services (CHOICES) serves adults with severe and persistent mental illness (SPMI). The goal of all CHOICES programs is to assist residents/tenants in reaching their maximum potential for independent living. l Supervised Community Residences offer the most intensive level of care for clients needing skills training or a higher level of supervision. The residences include Canal View (located in North Tonawanda) and Hansen House (located in Niagara Falls). Last year, 22 adults received 3,738 days of care at Canal View and 16 adults receieved 3,599 days of care at Hansen House! l The Apartment Treatment Program assists residents in refining the skills necessary to live independently. The program offers apartments located at a main complex in Niagara Falls for more intensive support and structure.

Additional apartments are available throughout the community for those needing less support. In 2013, 83 adults received 19,627 days of care through this program! l Supported Housing is a permanent housing option that provides affordable, independent housing for adults with psychiatric disabilities that desire stable housing with some staff support. Last year, 128 adults were provided with 39,681 days of care through this program!

Mental Health Recovery Services - Established 1982

Mental Health Recovery Services serves adults with severe and persistent mental illness (SPMI). Its programs are designed to assist those needing additional support to complete vocational, recreational, social, housing, and employment goals to maintain independence. l Niagara Visions PROS (Personalized Recovery Oriented Services) is a comprehensive, recovery-oriented program for those with psychiatric disabilities. The program strives to integrate person-centered planning into each facet of its design, and supports goals as directed by the individual. In 2013, Niagara Visions PROS provided 142 adults with 19,181 visits! l The Drop-In Center provides those with a Serious and Persistent Mental Illness (SPMI) diagnosis with emotional support beyond traditional service hours. Located in Lockport, the program also provides an alternative to those who may choose not to participate in more structured programs. Last year, 129 adults benefited from 6,376 visits to the Drop-In Center! l Respite Services provides emergency housing as an alternative to hospitalization. It does so by offering support, encouragement and assistance to individuals on a short-term basis. Beds can be provided in either Lockport or Niagara Falls, depending on the client’s needs, anticipated length of stay, and community of choice. In 2013, 76 adults were provided with 1,250 days of care through Respite Services! l The Transportation Program provides rides to SPMI adults for appointments while also operating daily routes to and from CMI program sites in Niagara Falls, Lockport and North Tonawanda. Last year, 515 adults were provided with 11,202 transports through the program!

Auxiliary Services

Auxiliary Services refer to services provided by the agency that work with many different programs, across all divisions. l Faith Services & Ministry and Community Partnerships offers opportunities and resources for religious, spiritual, and faith development to those the Mission serves and staff. Partnerships are developed with local churches and faith-based organizations to help them realize the full potential of their ministries, while increasing awareness of CMI’s services, volunteer opportunities, and support for the Mission. In 2013, CMI conducted 118 faith activites through its 83 partnerships! l Family Services offers support to families, and supports residents or consumers of services, in any CMI program.

The goal of the program is to offer practical guidance, facilitate communication, encourage and provide outlets for family members to support their loved one’s treatment and service plan goals, as well as jointly advocate for quality services. In 2013, Family Services conducted 122 group meetings and events and 159 face-to-face visits.

Community Missions of Niagara Frontier, Inc.

5

Community Missions Hosts 21st Annual Compassion In Action Awards Brunch

Community Missions held its 21st Annual Compassion In Action Awards Brunch on Thursday, May 9th. The event allows the agency to recognize the volunteers and supporters whose contributions make the agency’s efforts possible.

The brunch is structured to honor many of the volunteers that help the agency throughout the year, while also recognizing award winners from six of the organization’s departments. In addition, a Director’s Award is presented by the Executive Director, and the Sharon Kroetsch Memorial Award is bestowed upon a chosen board member.

“Each year, the Compassion in Action Awards Brunch is an opportunity and pleasure for us as an agency to show our gratitude to so many of the individuals and organizations that help us achieve our goals,” said Community Missions’ Executive Director Robyn L. Krueger. “These honorees give so much of their time and resources to help others, and it’s so rewarding for us to take time to acknowledge and recognize them for their selflessness.”

Those honored with awards at the event included: Crisis & Community Services Award Will Poultry Co. Mental Health Housing Services (CHOICES) Award Deonna Mazur, Niagara Falls Treatment Courts Public Relations & Development Award Brian Costello, Diversified Manufacturing, Inc. Finance Award Victoria Vizzi, Liazon Corporation

Youth Services (REACH) Award Mercedes Catherine, St. John de LaSalle Church Mental Health Recovery Services Award Diana Belcher, Visiting Nursing Association of WNY The Sharon Kroetsch Memorial Award Quain Weber, CMI Board Member Director’s Award Russell Petrozzi, Capitol Cleaners

Agency Partners with the Community on Gardens of Compassion Project

Last spring and summer, Community Missions partnered with St. James United Methodist Church and Cornell Cooperative Extension of Niagara County on the Gardens of Compassion initiative. The program ran from April-October.

The main goals for the partnership included: * Educating the community and members of St. James Church about mental illness and fighting the stigma associated with it, by providing an opportunity for them to have regular contact with individuals living with mental illness.

* Offering a chance to Community Missions’ clients to have the experience of growing and eating fresh foods from their own garden, with the help of caring members of the Niagara Falls community while also providing an additional opportunity to make new interpersonal connections in their community.

The project included weekly gatherings at St. James to build the raised beds, cultivate the gardens, plant the vegetables, tend to the plants and finally, harvest the fruits of their labors. A time of fellowship would typically follow these sessions, where the volunteers and clients were able to share good times over good food, learn about gardening and good nutrition, and discuss what it means to care for creation.

“This is the innovative and exciting type of partnerships we are striving to build within the faith community,” said Rev. Mark Breese, Agency Minister and Director of Ministry and Community Partnerships. “It provides opportunities and benefits for everyone involved, and those benefits ripple out into the broader community—and even to the environment in this case! Such partnerships help us fulfill our mission to serve the whole person, as well as our mission to help increase the vitality and health of local churches through their own desire to serve the poor, marginalized and oppressed.”

The effort was a joint collaboration among many partners. Soil for the project was donated by C.J. Krantz Organics in Clarence, N.Y., while the United Methodist Women of Niagara and Erie Counties donated garden gloves, sun hats, garden tools and other items.

Brighton Community Church in Tonawanda took a special offering to help with expenses, while seed packets were provided by Goodman’s Farm Market in Niagara Falls.

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Community Missions of Niagara Frontier, Inc.

Tower Foundation Supports Community Missions’ Technology Initiative

A three-year matching grant totaling $78,558 was awarded to Community Missions of Niagara Frontier, Inc. (CMI) by The Peter and Elizabeth C. Tower Foundation as a part of their annual Technology Initiative in August 2013.

“We are thrilled that the agency has received this wonderful gift from The Peter and Elizabeth C. Tower Foundation,” said Robyn L. Krueger, Executive Director of Community Missions. “As a non-profit service organization, our day-to-day focus has been, and will always continue to be, helping those in need. This gift will allow us to address an important area of our own agency’s infrastructure in a comprehensive way that will allow all of our staff to work more efficiently, and effectively with each other and those we partner with to support those in need.”

According to Don Matteson, the Tower Foundation’s Chief Program Officer, “Technology infrastructure is becoming more important for all providers, and the Tower Foundation believes that investing in that infrastructure is an important part of helping our partners do their best work. We’re happy to be working with Community Missions to help them serve the community.”

As a result of the grant, the agency was able to secure matching funds from the John R. Oishei Foundation and Western New York Foundation. The Oishei Foundation has agreed to a three-year, $60,000 support for the initiative, while the Western New York Foundation has underwritten the purchase of servers within the first year of the project, totaling $16,198.

The upgrade includes six major areas relating to the agency’s technology structure. The first steps of the plan include the reconditioning of the existing Information Technology (IT) office into a server room, the building of a new agency website, and the installation of a wireless access system. Further steps in the process will include the purchase of two ESXi servers, a vCenter server, VMWare, XenApp software and thin-client workstations.

CMI Christmas Program - “The Gift of Giving...The Joy of Receiving”

During the Christmas season, Community Missions is typically a “flurry” of activity, and the 2013 season was no different. With the theme of allowing everyone to enjoy “The Gift of Giving ... The Joy of Receiving,” the 2013 Christmas Program was a remarkable success, with many events, programs and benefits playing a part.

t The annual Adopt-A-Family program matched 162 families and 440 children with sponsors from the community, ensuring everyone a joyous holiday season. Each family was provided with presents for the children, a gift card to a local grocery store, and either a ham or turkey for their holiday dinner.

t For more than 20 years, the agency’s Youth Services has coordinated the “Tidings of Joy” Christmas Project with the Niagara Library System. The program provides Christmas gifts for youth involved with the Mission, allowing members of the community to purchase gifts for the youth. Christmas trees are placed in area libraries with paper ornaments corresponding to wish list items the youth have requested.

Agents from Coldwell Banker Integrity in Lewiston drop off toys and food at the Mission.

t Old Falls Street, in association with the Downtown Niagara Falls Business Association, sponsored its annual “Stuff-A-Bus” program, encouraging patrons and local businesses to fill a bus with donations during the holiday season. Pictured at right are some of those that helped deliver the items in early December.

t The Mission’s annual Christmas Dinner was held in the Community Soup Kitchen on Dec. 23, with the food donated by the Seneca Niagara Casino and prepared by the staff of Osteria 166. In addition, holiday events to support the Mission were held at Honey’s on Niagara Falls Blvd. and Murphy’s on 3rd Street.

t As always, the Mission was the recipient of many wonderful food and clothing Old Falls Street and members of the Downtown drives conducted by area businesses, churches, families and supporters. Such drives Niagara Falls Business Association once again are vital to the Mission’s success in meeting the needs of all those that are in need, sponsored “Stuff-A-Bus,” working to fill a bus especially at the holiday season. with donations for the Mission.

Community Missions of Niagara Frontier, Inc.

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Community Missions Participates in Second Annual #GivingTuesday

Community Missions joined more than 8,400 organizations from across the world to participate in the Second Annual #GivingTuesday, an event that encourages people to take collaborative action to give back in better, smarter ways to the charities and causes they support. The event took place on December 3, 2013, the Tuesday after Thanksgiving.

Coinciding with the Thanksgiving holiday and the kickoff of the holiday shopping season, #GivingTuesday looks to harness the power of social media to create a national moment around the holidays dedicated to giving, similar to how Black Friday and Cyber Monday have become days synonymous with holiday shopping.

Community Missions, within the theme of its “The Gift of Giving … The Joy of Receiving” Christmas Program, encouraged people to support the agency in a number of ways:

• Individuals (and businesses) were encouraged to make a tax-deductible financial contribution to the agency online.

• Individuals were encouraged to beat the end of year rush and donate clothes and household items, which are always welcome to be dropped off at the Mission.

• Individuals were encouraged to volunteer their time to help spread holiday cheer at the Mission.

“We were very excited for this opportunity to band together with so many wonderful charitable organizations to encourage people to give back,” said Christian Hoffman, Communications & Development Manager of Community Missions. “The winter months are always the toughest for those in need, especially here in Western New York. This initiative came at a perfect time for us, and with the holiday season in full swing, it was a wonderful opportunity for people looking to give back to do so in a meaningful way.”

In the weeks leading up to the event, Niagara Falls, N.Y. proclaimed December 3, 2013 as #GivingTuesday – Niagara Falls’ Day of Giving. The proclamation was made by Mayor Paul Dyster, as he was joined at City Hall by representatives from Community Missions of Niagara Frontier, Inc. and Niagara University, two local organizations taking part in the #GivingTuesday initiative.

The agency was buzzing on #GivingTuesday, thanks to over 50 volunteers, a live morning TV show, and several other reporters filling the halls of the Mission. Among the volunteer projects that day were: • A group from the Niagara Falls Target store, led by Dan Kline, Store Facility Technician, painted and updated a three-room common area in the Mission’s Emergency Housing Shelter, taking time out of the hectic holiday season to give back.

• Approximately 40 members of the Leadership for the Youth of Niagara County (LYNC), the high school division of Leadership Niagara, volunteered to spread holiday cheer throughout the Mission, decorating, wrapping presents, and working in the Soup Kitchen and Clothes Closet.

Niagara Falls Mayor Paul Dyster declared December 3, 2013 as #GivingTuesday in the Cataract City.

Lauren Rose Miller is interviewed by WGRZ-TV’s Claudine Ewing as she gives free haircuts to CMI guests on #GivingTuesday.

A group of high school students from LYNC volunteered in the Community Soup Kitchen.

• Lauren Rose Miller, owner of Rellim Hair & Makeup Design Studio, came to the agency to give free haircuts to guests of the Mission.

Community Missions was also the recipient of a food drive conducted by Niagara University, as a part of its #GivingTuesday initiative. Additionally, Community Missions received outstanding media coverage of the event, including television news stories on WGRZ 2, Winging It! Buffalo Style and Time Warner Cable News, as well as news articles in the Buffalo Business Journals, Niagara Gazette and Niagara Frontier Publications.

The agency plans to again participate in the event in 2014, with the date set for Tuesday, December 2.

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Niagara University partnered with Community Missions on a food drive for #GivingTuesday.

Community Missions of Niagara Frontier, Inc.

2013 Fundraising Events February 1 - Sweetheart Dinner

April 27 - Feet or Famine Walk

The agency’s 16th Annual Sweetheart Dinner was held on February 1st at Sheraton at the Falls. The event brought more than 225 people together and raised over $13,000!

The agency held its 11th Annual Feet or Famine Walk at Whirlpool State Park on April 27th.

This event raised over $11,000!

June 7 - Art Auction

July 8 - Par Fore A Mission Golf Classic

The Mission partnered with the YWCA of Niagara for an Art Auction event on June 7th at Sheraton at the Falls. This event raised over $3,000 for the agency!

The 12th Annual Par Fore A Mission Golf Classic took place on July 8th at Seneca Hickory Stick Golf Course and raised over $13,000!

July 20 - Canal Fest Duck Race

August 15 - Lobster Fest

The Annual Duck Race of the Tonawandas was held on July 20th on the Erie Canal in North Tonawanda.

This event raised over $6,000!

The agency held its 3rd Annual Lobster Fest at the LaSalle Yacht Club on August 14th.

This event raised over $4,000!

November 10 - Antiques Auction

November 19 - Celebrity Bartending Event

Community Missions held its 3rd Annual Antiques Auction on November 10th at First Presbyterian Church of Youngstown. This event raised over $6,000!

The agency held its Celebrity Bartending Event at the Rapids Theatre on November 19th.

This event raised over $2,000!

Community Missions of Niagara Frontier, Inc.

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The Need Is Increasing!

Last year, Community Missions saw record numbers in several of its programs. While this fact is not surprising, it makes the reality of these numbers no less critical.

Did You Know? l According to recent census numbers, 22.8% of Niagara Falls’ residents live below the poverty line, compared to 14.9% of those living in New York and nationally.

While the demand has impacted most of the agency’s programs, it is shown most starkly in the Missions’ Crisis & Community Services.

See below how the numbers of those utilizing Emergency Housing, the Community Soup Kitchen and the Clothes Closet programs have risen dramatically over just the past several years.

Emergency Housing Nights

6,000 5,000 4,000 3,000

l Niagara Falls’ median household income registers just $33,324, compared to $57,683 state-wide and $53,046 nationally.

2,916 651

2,000 2,265

3,451 705 2,746

4,479

4,061 4,024 749 773

860

567

3,619

3,312 3,251

3,721

941

752

3,596

2010

2011

4,774 4,207

5,732 5,281 1,315 4,703 1,071 1,000 4,417 4,210 3,703

4,537

2,969

1,000 0

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

* Adult Nights

2009

Community Soup Kitchen Meals

25,000 23,780 23,635

20,000 15,000 18,304

2008

2010

19,924

5,000 2004

2005

2006

2007

2009

7,699

7,000

6,915

6,000

5,777

5,000 4,000 3,000 2,000

10

28,396 27,498 29,646 27,783

Clothes Closet Individuals Served

8,000

0

27.024 26,350

10,000

0

1,000

2013

* Child Nights

30,000 The chart at right shows the increased demand for meals in the Community Soup Kitchen for the past 10 years. As is shown, the past three years accounted for the three highest totals, including a high of 29,646 in 2012. The chart shows a 52% increase in the past 10 years in meals served in the Community Soup Kitchen.

2012

The chart at left shows the increased demand for emergency housing over the past 11 years. Note that 2013 not only saw an increase of 400+ nights over the year before, but that nights housing adults (4,417) and children (1,315) were also record highs. The chart shows a 97% increase over the past 11 years in overall emergency housing nights.

1,139 2004

2,719

2,512

2006

2007

3,939

4,276

2008

2009

5,017

1,698 2005

2010

2011

2012

2011

2012

2013

The chart at left shows the increased demand in the Clothes Closet for the past 10 years. This program, which provides clothes and household items to those in need, has grown exponentially over the years, serving over 7,600 individuals last year alone. This chart shows a 576% increase over the past 10 years in individuals served by the Clothes Closet.

2013

Community Missions of Niagara Frontier, Inc.

2013 Financial Breakdown Revenue Sources

Distribution of Revenue Sources

(unaudited)

Medicaid/Medicare

$ 2,922,704

Supplemental Security Income

$

926,091

NYS Office of Mental Health

$

785,057

Niagara Co. Department of Mental Health $

761,753

Private Donors and Foundation Grants

$

660,244

Niagara Co. Probation Department

$

169,353

Niagara Co. Department of Social Services $

104,769

Rental Income

$

64,851

U.S. Dept. of Housing & Urban Develop.

$

48,745

Emergency Food and Shelter Program

$

13,613

Family & Children’s Service of Niagara

$

12,350

Division of Parole Income

$

4,550

Total Revenue

$ 6,474,080

Donors & Foundations

10.2% Niagara Co. OMH 11.8% NYS Office of Mental Health 12.1%

Mental Health Recovery 16.6%

Youth 13.2%

Supplementary Security Income 14.3%

The yellow portion represents an aggregate of the following: l Niagara County Probation Dept. - 2.6% l Niagara County Department of Social Services - 1.6% l Rental Income - 1.0% l U.S. Dept. of Housing & Urban Development - 0.8% l Emergency Food & Shelter Program - 0.2% l Family & Childrens’ Service of Niagara - 0.2% l Division of Parole Income - 0.1%

Expenses by Division

Distribution of Expenses Agency Overhead 14.7%

Medicaid/Medicare 45.1%

(unaudited)

Crisis 11.1%

Mental Health Housing 44.4%

Mental Health Housing Services

$ 2,888,095

Mental Health Recovery Services

$ 1,078,611

Youth Services

$

857,667

Crisis Services

$

723,141

Agency Overhead

$

952,531

Total Expenses

$ 6,500,045

Fundraising Efforts Each year, the Community Missions’ Public Relations & Development department work to raise the support necessary to keep its Crisis & Community Service programs. In 2013, the department brought in over $600,000, marking its highest total ever! This was thanks to the overwhelming support of the following events, campaigns and foundations.

Grants Community Missions annually seeks funding from philanthropic organizations whose missions mirror those of the agency. In 2013, CMI received over $220,000 in grants that helped to fund programmatic and operational expenses.

Fundraising & Awareness Events The agency hosts a number of fundraising and awareness events each year at locations throughout Niagara County. In 2013, the agency held nine events that raised over $57,000 for the agency’s Crisis & Community Services.

Community Missions of Niagara Frontier, Inc.

Mailings and Campaigns An important piece of funding for the agency are its annual mailing appeal campaigns. CMI conducts three large mailings throughout the year, and several other campaigns.

Last year, just over $300,000 was donated to the agency!

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How Can I Help?

So often we are asked, “What can I do to help the Mission?” Here are a few ways that you may be able to help: l Hold a food or clothing drive to donate to the Mission! Community Missions can always use donations of non-perishable foods, personal care items, household items, clothing or baby supplies to give to those in need. For a complete list of current needs, please visit the agency’s website and click on “Current Needs” under the Get Involved tab. l Have your church or faith-based group become a Ministry Partner with the Mission! Work with our minister, Rev. Mark Breese, to strengthen your ministry by connecting it with the call of Christ to serve those in need. Participate in one of several faith events and projects throughout the year, such as the monthly Sunday Cabaret, Gardens of Compassion, and annual Gospel Fest. Work with us to develop a project or event that meets the needs of those we serve. l Come out to a CMI Fundraising Event! Each year, the agency hosts a number of events that raise money for its Crisis Services. These include the Sweetheart Dinner (February), Spring It On! (March), the Walk for Niagara (May), Parents’ Day Campaign (Spring), Golf Tournament (June), Canal Fest of the Tonawandas Duck Race (July), Lobster Fest (August), Antiques Auction (November), a Fall Fundraiser and #GivingTuesday. Each event is unique, is a lot of fun, and most importantly, raises money and awareness for CMI! l Take part in the Adopt-A-Family program around the Christmas holidays! Each year, CMI links community members, businesses and churches with local families in need.

Sponsors are provided a family and a “wish list,” and then purchase gifts for the family. In addition, gift cards are provided to the family to assist with a holiday meal. All gifts are 2013 Celebrity Bartending Event brought to the Mission, where they are distributed to the families, along with a turkey. l Make a cash donation! Contributions are tax deductible, can be made at any point during the year, and are always badly needed. Your donation may be matched by your employer or by generous donors who sponsor such gifts throughout the year.

You can also encourage your church, business or civic group to make a yearly contribution to the mission. l Have your group volunteer for a special project like painting a room, a clean-up day, gardening, etc.! The agency serves thousands of people each year at its sites across Niagara County, creating a wide range of volunteer opportunities. l Volunteer in the Community Soup Kitchen! The program is open for lunch six days a week, and volunteers are needed from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. each day. Perhaps you are part of a group that would like to cook a meal or donate the food needed to feed the hundreds we serve daily. l Arrange to bring a speaker from Community Missions to your church, business or civic group! We have several speakers that can come to raise awareness on many different issues affecting the Niagara community, including the 18 different programs that we operate. l Include Community Missions when considering your Estate Planning! Community Missions has helped those in need in the Niagara community for 88 years. Your gift can help ensure those in need locally are never turned away.

The Mission’s Annual Thanksgiving Dinner at the Hard Rock Cafe.

Get Involved Today!

For more information on any of these programs or ideas, or to suggest an option that we may not have considered, contact us at 716-285-3403 x.2247.

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Community Missions of Niagara Frontier, Inc.